Officer Robert Chadwick Wheeler, San Pablo Police Department, California

Officer Robert Chadwick Wheeler

San Pablo Police Department, California

End of Watch Thursday, August 4, 1977

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Robert Chadwick Wheeler

Officer Robert Wheeler was shot and killed while responding to a silent alarm at Musselman's jewelry store, located at 1615 23rd Street, around noon.

The store had been known to send out false alarms in the past. When Officer Wheeler walked into the store, he was shot by two men who were committing a robbery. One of the suspects was arrested in the area shortly after the shooting. He refused to give the name of his accomplice, who was never apprehended.

The suspect, 26, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. In 2010 he was denied parole for the 16th time. He still refuses to reveal the identity of his accomplice. He was still in prison in 2015.

Officer Wheeler was a United States Marine Corps Korean War veteran and had served with the San Pablo Police Department for 18 years. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Bio

Age 42
Tour 18 years
Badge 21
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

robbery

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Most Recent Reflection

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Our American Government class at Richmond High was assigned to write a term paper on any aspect of government. I choose the San Pable Police Department and signed up for a ride-along. I was assigned to ride a shift with Bob Wheeler.

During my ride, I must have asked a couple of hundred questions related to law enforcement theory and techniques. Bob patiently answered every one of them. He also told me about his participation with the Sea Scouts and having previously run the San Pablo Police Explorer Program. With his encouragement, I signed up to join the Explorers to learn more about law enforcement.

It was on the day of my first uniformed ride-along as an Explorer, that Bob was killed. I had been looking forward to talking to him and learning so much more. RIP Bob.

I never did become a Police Officer but have great respect for those who have earned the job.

Dexter Dong
ACSO Search & Rescue Unit / ACFD Photographer

August 27, 2024